On a Wing

On A Wing

Nothing stays static. Grief has a way of breaking one down to their very weakest, most vulnerable point. In time, human nature demands the bereaved and those who encircle their lives to rise back up. One’s identity fundamentally changes through loss but speaks to the human capacity to survive the unimaginable and to evolve. The grief journey reveals that physical separation cannot erase emotional attachment, rather it reasserts that emotional attachment and memory may be just as powerful as the physical realm. Life is as much about discovery as it is about letting go.

Shira shot “On a Wing” not as a conclusion to her grief journey but as one of many phases that a mourner can vacillate in and through. Shira documents “On a Wing” in the spirit elicited in all who continue to move and develop despite obstacles in their path. She demonstrates this through visuals of tension and freedom and by capturing contrasting imagery: darkened skies of deep grey tones and hesitating birds flying onward are juxtaposed by bright horizons and flocks of white geese journeying side by side. The memory of past will always be held close in heart and carried on one’s wing.

A grief journey inexplicably alters the landscape of one’s life. Shira allowed herself to be swept up in her grief journey; it shaped how she moved through her world and ultimately directed her efforts to live better. In documenting and creating Good Grief, Shira realized that this journey and healing process has no real end. It is now simply a part of who she is. These images are self - portraits. They are her journey and possibly reflective of yours too. By giving over to the grief and rolling around in it, by exploring the depths of her pain, the expanse of the confusions and the push pull that comes with it, Shira began to feel life again. She not only reclaimed her voice but realized that she was capable of feeling far more through the journey of shock, numbness, vulnerability, isolation, reengagement and renewed living.

In giving oneself permission to breathe, through support and time, resilience, reflection and fight - movement forward can be made, and a good life, a great life, a rich life can be had. There is profound beauty in the shared human experience that take us individually to our limits, shapes who we are and how we see the world. “We may not be in control of what life throws our way, but we do choose how we view and engage it. I choose to find beauty in the breakdown. I choose to trust the wind, and go with wings.” -- Shira